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MrVan's avatar
MrVan
Explorer
May 19, 2014

Diesel Fuel smell occasionaly in cab of F250 7.3L

Occasionally getting a diesel fuel smell when turning on the fan air circulation in a 2003 F250 Ext Cab Lariat 4x4 7.3 L diesel. Occurs on start up after setting for awhile. No external fuel leaks are apparent. Doesn't do it every time at start-up which confuses me a bit. Sometimes a very faint odor and sometimes much more noticeable. Can sometimes smell the odor outside the truck too. Where could this smell be coming from? Where should I look?
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  • Dave_H_M's avatar
    Dave_H_M
    Explorer II
    May 20, 2014
    If you find that it is the fuel bowl drain as described above, I havce some extra viton O Rings and could send you a pair.
  • Traver8's avatar
    Traver8
    Explorer
    May 20, 2014
    My first vote goes for a leaky fuel bowl. This could be the drain valve o-rings beginning to leak some. The fuel sits on the top of the engine and just bakes off. I had the same issue but mine leaked enough so that if I parked nose high it would run off the back of the engine and drip on the ground. Did a complete fuel bowl rebuild and solved the problem. Complete rebuild kit of o-rings from DieselOrings.com was only about $20.

    If you can get up and reach or look behind the fuel bowl you probably will find fuel.

    Hope this helps. PM me if you need more details.

    Terry

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